The 2026 World Cup will be held in North America this year. But with everything going on with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), how will the World Cup look for us this year? The World Cup is a soccer tournament that is held every 4 years since 1930. 1942 and 1946 were the only years when the World Cup wasn’t held due to World War II. This tournament is organized by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association/ International Federation of Association Football). This year, there will be 48 teams participating in the World Cup. This is one of the most-watched sporting events globally. The very first match of this tournament will be held on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, and the final match that will determine the winning team of the tournament will be held on July 19, 2026, in New Jersey.

OHS students support a variety of teams. Junior Karen Gonzalez said, ” I hope Mexico wins or at least makes it to the semi-finals because they are a great team.” Brisa Sosa and Paola Hernandez both said,” I think Brazil and Mexico are going to be making it to the semi-finals.” Brazil, Germany, and Italy are the top 3 countries that have won the World Cup.

In the World Cup, different rounds of games are played. Although the World Cup brings joy and excitement, there are still many reasons why soccer fans don’t go to watch a live game. The 3 main reasons why fans might not want to go to the World Cup are their safety, the cost of tickets, and/or the distance.

Freshman Luis Abarca Escobar said, “I am thinking about going to a group stage game, but I’m not completely sure yet.” The World Cup is an event where you want to go with someone that is important to you, especially since it’s a rare opportunity for some people. The semi-finals tickets cost from $900-$3,000, and $4, 185-$8,680 for finals. Sophomore Justin Ramirez said, ” I would go to any Portugal or France game, and I would go with my dad. It’s low-key too much for both of them, it’s not worth it unless it wouldn’t  affect your pockets.”

Lionel Messi has yet to confirm whether he will be participating in the 2026 World Cup. Many people look up to Messi and would be truly disappointed and upset if he didn’t play in the 2026 World Cup. Freshman Skarleth Mendez said, ” I think Messi is going to play in the World Cup, and I hope he does because I grew up watching him, so I would be sad if he didn’t play.”

Many people would rather stay home and watch the World Cup from their TV’s because that way they get to be comfortable and can eat whatever they want and have easy access to bathrooms and food, while some would rather go to a game because it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or they just prefer watching it live because it’s just a vibe. Skarleth said, ” I’d rather go to a game because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.”

In the United States, some believe it might be dangerous for people to come and watch the games. Some people are worried that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) will target these events and possibly detain them. People just want to have fun and watch their favorite teams play. People online have been saying how the United States shouldn’t be holding the World Cup because of everything happening with ICE.

The big question in the United States is, do you think the World Cup should be held in the U.S due to everything happening with ICE? Sophomore Litzy Nolasco said, ” I think no because with everything going on, it’s most likely to turn into a disaster, especially with ICE targeting so many innocent people.” Jose Luna said,” I don’t think the World Cup should be held in the United States with ICE in our country,” and then Paola Hernandez said, ” No, I don’t think the World Cup should be held in the United States, it’s not safe.” Some people don’t feel safe going to these soccer games that they have been waiting for a long time. Litzy also thinks “it’s very risky for other people to come because there’s a high chance they could get deported.”

Luis Abarca Escobar thinks that “People at the games will be welcoming because the World Cup brings excitement and people would be in a good mood, and when people are happy and excited, they are usually nicer and possibly more welcoming, but I wouldn’t consider the U.S respectful or welcoming right now. I also wouldn’t count on it.”

Jose Luna said, ” I feel like people would be nervous to come because they don’t want to be separated from their friends and families. People shouldn’t have to be scared to go to a soccer game where they are supposed to have fun and enjoy their time with their friends or families.”

What are your thoughts on the World Cup? Which teams do you support? Tell us in the comments!